The Functional Resume

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The Functional Resume is best suited for an individual who is a recent graduate or new to the workforce. An individual who has a varied work history with no clear connection between the different positions held would also benefit from using the Functional Resume. It is also well suited for the individual whose job titles do not reflect the level of skills used or for the individual who is making a career change.

The Functional Resume can be thought of as a way to make sense of an individual’s work history by matching skills and accomplishments. It demonstrates the skills and abilities that you have by using past accomplishments in different positions. Headings that should be included in a Functional Resume are as follows:

Professional Profile-Describes professional history in a summarized statement. If new to the job market, an objective statement describing career goals can be used.

Functions/Career Highlights-Emphasizes specific skills and descriptions of the functions performed that demonstrate those skills. For example, if an individual has Management Skills, this can be conveyed to the employer by stating "Supervised and advised salaried sales representatives, increasing profits by 30%-40%." A typical Functional Resume lists about four functions/career highlights.

Experience-Lists the names of the companies, the title that the individual held, the dates that the individual held the position, and the location of the company. A Functional Resume does not contain the job descriptions. All positions held should be listed in chronological order.